Constructing network-shaped hydroxyapatite interlayer for carbon fiber composites

Hydroxyapatite interlayer was designed and fabricated in carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (COE), forming carbon fiber-hydroxyapatite-epoxy ternary composites (CHE). The microstructure, mechanical and biotribological properties of CHE were investigated. The hydroxyapatite interlayer grew uniformly on the surface of carbon fibers, exhibiting network morphology with numerous micrometer-scale pores. The tensile strength and the elastic modulus of CHE were increased by 17.8% and 90.1%, respectively compared with that of COE. The friction coefficient of CHE was increased by 23.5% and the wear rate of CHE was reduced by 28.3%. These results demonstrated the potential application CHE in human bone replacement.